Sarah Cullen has been Head of Widening Participation at the University of Sussex since October 2011 . The University expanded its outreach programme with the introduction of the new fee regime. Sarah has led this work and the establishment of a network of partner schools.

Sarah previously worked as Widening Participation Manager at the University of Brighton She first became involved in widening participation when working at Varndean Sixth Form College working to increase applications from students from schools with low progression rates. As a Guidance Leader at the college she was also involved in improving retention. Sarah also taught Politics and Sociology A level and was AS Politics examiner for 3 years.